WCHA Issues One-Game Suspension to Minnesota’s Rau

Official Press Release - February 11, 2012/For Immediate Release

MADISON, Wis. – The men’s Western Collegiate Hockey Association today announced a onegame suspension to University of Minnesota hockey player Kyle Rau for his actions in the February 10 game vs the University of Denver.

Rau’s suspension was determined after a review of the incident under the WCHA’s
Supplementary Discipline Policy and Procedures. At the time of the incident, he was assessed a 5:00-major penalty for boarding and a 10:00-game misconduct.
Rau will be required to serve this one-game suspension in his team’s next regularly scheduled game on Saturday, February 11 vs the University of Denver.
– WCHA –


My take on the WCHA suspension - I applaud the WCHA for taking this action, lets hope that other players around the league take notice; but lets also hope that these types of hits will no longer be tolerated. This was a dangerous play, Rau was late hitting Zucker and he was in a vulnerable position. These are the types of hits that need to be eliminated from Amateur hockey.

Joe Basaraba Hit On Nick Mattson

s/t to A Tradition of Excellence for sending me the video. UMD Bulldog's Joe Basaraba was given a five minute major and a game misconduct for this hit on the Fighting Sioux's Nick Mattson. Some have said that this hit wasn't worthy of a five and a game but I am not so sure, it's a dangerous hit. Do you think the ref made the right call in this instance?

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UND stops UMD 3-1

This is the best that I have seen UND Fighting Sioux hockey team play all season long. True to form they're already seem to be in play off mode. They don't have a lot of room for error but they will be in the tourney if they keep winning games.

The Fighting Sioux didn't give the Bulldogs a lot of great looks and this is how they have to continue to play like, if they want to be successful. It's starts in the defensive zone and it's about grinding out wins, they don't have the fire power to just skate past people but they do have a great back end.

That being said, I think everyone seems to be buying into their roles and the Fighting Sioux are becoming very hard team to play hockey against. That is a trade mark of a Dave Hakstol team. I like the fact that this is one of the more disciplined Fighting Sioux hockey teams that I have seen in some time. 

I don’t think anyone is going to want to draw the Fighting Sioux in the WCHA Playoffs and they would be a tough draw in the NCAA playoffs as well. 

I thought that UND played good in all three zones of the ice tonight and didn't give the UMD forwards much time and space at all. The  Fighting Sioux also didn’t allow the UMD forwards to get behind them very often and when they did the defense was able to recover. 

UND was in the shooting lanes and took away the second and third opportunities in front of their net all night long. 

One of the things that I thought was a positive was that junior goaltender Aaron Dell was unbelievable all night long and he looks like the goaltender that was an All-American last season.

How good has Dell been against UMD Bulldogs the last two games he has played against them? Dell has stoped 61/62 shots he has faced. Actually, Dell was a 1 minute, 6 seconds away from getting back to back shutouts when J.T. Brown scored the Bulldogs only goal. 

So the patented Hakstol surge is upon us, the Fighting Sioux are 12-3-1 the past 16 games. UND is 2-0 against UMD in their new arena and has outscored them 8-1 through six periods of hockey. UND holds a 17-6-2 record their last 25 games against UMD.

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Kyle Rau hit on Jason Zucker...

Minnesota's Kyle Rau was given a five minute major and a game misconduct for his hit on Denver Pioneers forward  Jason Zucker, it's a high hit and the kind we are trying to elliminate from all levels of hockey. Is this hit worthy of a suspension? I don't think so. The video replay isn't that good, so it's hard to tell if Rau hit Zucker with an elbow...

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So who is bluffing?

Image via WikipediaHere is a good break down on the latest from the Big Sky Conference and their concerns about UND and the school retaining the Fighting Sioux Nickname by Tom Miller of  the Grand Forks Herald.

Faison also addressed the idea from some nickname supporters that the school’s administration has been misleading in the league affiliation process.

“The Big Sky is a legit concern,” he said. “Whether people want to believe it or not, I can’t help that. I know it. I’ve been in this business 35-plus years, and I’m telling you, we have a problem. And the answers to solve that problem if it goes down are not there. We can’t exist as a Division I independent.

“As far as conspiracy concerns, I leave that with the JFK folks. It’s reality that we are where we are. It’s reality that I’ve talked to Joel Maturi (Minnesota athletic director) and Sean Frazier (Wisconsin deputy athletic director) and we’ve been working on schedules for 2013-14, but that stops because of the nickname and logo. They can’t play us. That’s reality. That’s nothing I’ve made up. That’s been on the books for eight years. We lost a home and home with the University of Iowa in women’s basketball — the opportunity to host a Big Ten team here. This isn’t fiction. This is all real, and we have to deal with reality. That’s my job.”

Faison stressed the importance of competing against men’s hockey rivals Minnesota and Wisconsin.

“I’ve heard from some fans that say it doesn’t matter if we can’t schedule Minnesota,” Faison said. “I look at them incredulously (and say), ‘Really?’ Of course it matters.” [Grand Forks Herald]

The question is who do you want to believe? Personally, call me crazy if you want, but I don't think the Big Sky Conference is bluffing this time, not like some of the pundits claim they are. My first question, how the hell do they know if the Big Sky is bluffing or not? Have they interviewed the presidents of the Big Sky Conference? I would be willing to bet that they haven't.

Time will tell I guess and I  do not want to see the UND athletic department get hurt and suffer. I am alumnus of UND and I have two degrees from this University. I love the Fighting Sioux nickname but the time to fight the NCAA was 2-3 years ago. Where the heck were these people then? Where was Al Carlson back then? Carlson was sitting on his hands doing nothing.

The first team that is going to suffer the wrath of the NCAA is the Women's Hockey team if they end up in the top four. The first round of the NCAA tourney is held at the home arena of the higher seed. UND is close to being in the top four. They win a few more games and you never know where they could end up, they could be right there.

 But who cares right?

How about the fans, players and family members that follow the UND Women's team.

I have to say that I don't want to watch UND play some non nondescript NAIA or Division II school like Sioux Falls College, Minnesota State University, Moorhead or Minnesota Crookston in football, those match-ups don't excite me, when I know we could be watching Eastern Washtington, the University of Montana and or Montana State in football.

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Through These Doors Episode 14

Another awesome job by the guys at UNDsports.com

Bruins Tim Thomas uses facebook to communicate views

I think it's funny that some in the Boston sports media want to make a big story about a post that Tim Thomas posted on his personal Facebook page. Sure he's an athlete in the public eye, but he's also an American citizen whose freedom of speech is protected under the first amendment.

If Thomas doesn't want to answer the questions the media people ask him, so be it. I guess the Joe Haggerty's of the world don't like it, but tough.

Personally, I don't have a problem with him making these types of comments in his spare time on his personal Facebook page. Lets just say that there are way more comments in favor of Tim's comments than there are against.

I guess Joe Haggerty doesn't seem to think that Tim Thomas is giving him enough time to answer his questions.

Chris Donovan vs. Evan Trupp

Former Fighting Sioux forward Evan Trupp got into a fight with Utah Grizzlies forward Chris Donovan... I didn't take long to figure out why Trupp got into a fight with Donovan, if you look closely you will see that Donovan slew foots Trupp.

Trupp's not know for his fisticuffs, did pretty well in the fight and his team the Bakersfield Condors beat the Utah Grizzlies 4-0 in the game as well.

In case anyone is wondering Donovan played his college hockey at North Eastern University. 

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Milan Lucic works Patrick Kaleta like a speed bag

Nothing makes me happier than watching Boston Bruins tough Milan Lucic guy work over a rat like Patrick Kaleta.

Kaleta is one of those players that thinks he is pretty tough when he is out on the taking runs at other teams skilled players. I am actually surprised that Kaleta fought a guy like Milan Lucic.



At the end of the night Kaleta catches the ire of Bruins defenseman Adam McQuaid. McQuaid  decided he had seen enough of Kaleta's on ice antics and absolutely clobbers the Sabres rat in the head with a monstrous right hand.

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Goon's Weekly Picks 2/10 - 2/11

Nebraska Omaha at Michigan Tech 7:07 p.m. ET (Winter Carnival) 

North Dakota at Minnesota Duluth 7:07 p.m. CT (TV-CBSCS) DirecTV - 613

Colorado College at Bemidji State 7:37 p.m. CT (TV-LPT)

Minnesota at Denver 8:07 p.m. MT
Minnesota State at Alaska Anchorage 7:07 p.m. AT (TV-GCI)

Saturday 02/11/12

Nebraska Omaha at Michigan Tech 5:07 p.m. ET (Winter Carnival) 

Colorado College at Bemidji State 7:07 p.m. CT (TV-LPT)

North Dakota at Minnesota Duluth 7:07 p.m. CT  (TV-My9)

Minnesota at Denver 7:07 p.m. MT (TV-Root,FSn)

Minnesota State at Alaska Anchorage 7:07 p.m. AT (TV-GCI)

Nebraska Omaha at Michigan Tech – Split

Colorado College at Bemidji State – Split

North Dakota at Minnesota Duluth – Split

Minnesota at Denver – UMN Sweep

Minnesota State at Alaska Anchorage – UAA Sweep 

Last Week 5-5 Record for the season 117-68

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CBS Sports Network – UND @ UMD

Image via Wikipedia

College hockey returns to CBS Sports Network on Friday, Feb. 10 (8:00 PM, ET) as No. 16-ranked North Dakota visits No. 3-ranked Minnesota Duluth. Ben Holden and Dave Starman handle the call, along with reporter Shireen Saski.

The Network provides live pre-game coverage from AMSOIL Arena in Duluth, Minn. to preview the night’s action and discuss college hockey news from around the country. 

During the game, fans can join the conversation on Twitter using the hash tag #CBSHockey. This week’s Twitter Question is: What changes would you make to hockey’s NCAA Tournament?

For more information, including a full programming schedule and how to get CBS Sports Network, go to www.cbssportsnetwork.com.

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Weekend Match-Ups (by Sioux 7)

What a difference a week makes. The standing show that only 4 points separate 3rd through 8th places. That is a lot of teams in the fight for home ice in the first round, which is just a month away now.


WCHA STANDINGS

Team………………………W-L-T………Points
1. Minnesota………………15-5-0…..……30
2. Minnesota-Duluth……..12-5-3….…….27
3. Colorado College ……..12-7-3………..25
4. Denver…………..………10-6-4………..23
5. North Dakota……….…...11-9-0….…….22
5. Michigan Tech………….10-8-2………..22
5. Nebraska-Omaha…….…9-7-4………..22
8. St. Cloud St……………. 9-10-3……….21
9. Bemidji State….…………7-10-3…….…17
10. Wisconsin……………..7-13-2…..…….16
11. Minnesota State………6-15-1…………13
12. Alaska-Anchorage…...4-17-1…………9


WCHA Games

#10 Colorado College @ Bemidji State
Last weekend Tigers took 3-points from the Pioneers in a home-and-home series and the Beavers took 3-points from the UNO Mavericks in Omaha.

The Tigers vaulted over their rivals from Denver in the standings. CC might be riding high after taking care of business last weekend, but they better not be looking past the Beavers. BSU have been good at home in the Sanford Center, boasting a 9-4-1 record in Bemidji. SPLIT


Nebraska-Omaha @ Michigan Tech
Last weekend the Mavericks got a point at home against the Beavers and the Huskies split with the MSUM Mavericks in Mankato.

These games will be like a playoff series, since they are in a three way tie for the last home ice spots. A pair of losses now for either one can now mean the difference in playing in front of their fans in March or going on the road. The Mavericks are 5-6-2 away from Omaha and the Huskies are 8-4-1 in Houghton this season. The Huskies have been scoring at a 4.7gpg pace since January 1st. But when you get to this time of the season and teams are desperate for points, things happen. I’m going with the home team. HUSKIES SWEEP


Minnesota State @ Alaska-Anchorage
Last weekend the Mavericks split with the MTU Huskies in Mankato and the Seawolves split with the Bulldogs in Anchorage.

If the Mavericks sweep this series they pretty much lock the Seawolves into last place. The flip side is if the Seawolves sweep they would be tied with MSUM for 11th place. The Seawolves should have the advantage, being at home last weekend, and MSUM having to travel, way up north. SEAWOLVES SWEEP


#2 Minnesota @ #14 Denver
Last weekend the Gophers were on a bye weekend and the Pioneers salvaged a point against their arch-rivals, the CC Tigers, in the home/away series.
Before last weekend the Pioneers still had sight of first place, now they need to fight to keep in the top half of the league, my how things can change in one weekend. The Pioneers can reel in the Gophers with a pair of wins this weekend. The Pioneers had been on a five game winning streak until last weekend. The Gophers come in winning their last 3 games and 4 out of their last 5. The Gophers offensive has not been putting up many goals as of late, so if the Pioneers can get some good goaltending and a few breaks they can get some points this weekend. SPLIT


#16 North Dakota @ #2 Minnesota-Duluth
Last weekend Bulldogs split with the Seawolves in Anchorage and North Dakota had bye weekend to rest.

The Bulldogs have struggle their last four games, and have slide out of first place in the WCHA. North Dakota has yet to go on their second half run that has been the norm for them the past seven years under Hakstol. UND needs points this weekend if they want to keep hold of the top half and try and secure home ice. The Bulldogs are pretty much assured of home ice at this point (barring a complete meltdown), but I’m sure they want the McNaughton Cup. SPLIT


BYE WEEK
St. Cloud State
Wisconsin

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UND vs. UMD series notes

The University of North Dakota  Fighting Sioux travel to Duluth Minnesota to play the University of Minnesota Duluth Bulldogs at Amsoil Arena February 10-11, 2012.

Game Time: 7:07 pm both nights.

Records and Rankings: University of North Dakota Fighting Sioux (15-10-2 overall, 11-9-0 WCHA); The Fighting Sioux are ranked 16^th in the USCHO poll and 15^th in the USA Today Poll. North Dakota was off last weekend. Official Release.

The Minnesota Duluth Bulldogs (18-6-4, 12-5-3 WCHA) split their last series with the UAA Seawolves in Anchorage Alaska (4-1 W, 2-3 L). The Bulldogs are ranked 3^rd in the USCHO and 3^rd in the USA Today Polls. Official Release 

Series History:  The University of North Dakota Fighting Sioux are 17-6-2 in the last 25 games against the Bulldogs. UND also leads the all-time series between the two teams with 134-74-8 (.639), The Fighting Sioux have a 54-38-5 (.582) record in Duluth.

Radio: UMD 94X (94.1/104.3 FM)UMD’s Bruce Ciskie with the play-by-play. UND 96.1 (KQHT-FM) – The Fox, UND’s Tim Hennesy with the play-by-play. 

WEBCAST: www.b2tv.com

TV: CBS Sports Network (Friday only) 613 on DirecTV. 

Players to Watch: 

For UND: Forwards: Danny Kristo (14g-17a—31pts), Corbin Knight (8g-18a—24pts) and Brock Nelson (19g-12a—31pts), Carter Rowney (8g-8a—16pts). Defense: Nick Mattson (5g-10a—15pts), Dillion Simpson, (1g-12a—13pts), Ben Blood (2g-11a—13pts).  Goaltenders: Aaron Dell .892 save percentage and a 2.81 goals against average. Brad Eidsness .917 save percentage and a 2.31 goals against average.

UND Injuries: Forward Rocco Grimaldi is out (season knee surgery), Brendan O’Donnell out (season ending surgery), defenseman Derek Forbort questionable; Derek Rodwell is out (season shoulder surgery).

For UMD: Forwards: Jack Connolly (15g-27a—42pts), J.T. Brown (16g-21a—37pts), Travis Olesuk (16g-21a—37), Caleb Herbert (10g-14a—24pts) Defense: Brady Lamb (5g-14a—19pts). Scott Kishel (3g-14a—17pts). Goaltender: Kenny Reiter .914 save percentage and a 2.30 goals against average. 
 
Other games in the WCHA:  Minnesota State at Alaska Anchorage, Minnesota at Denver, Colorado College at Bemidji State, Nebraska Omaha at Michigan Tech. Saint Cloud, Wisconsin Idle

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